Category: Daily Life

Such an exciting moment when I finished the last assessment task for the semester a little before 6 pm today, a full day ahead of the deadline. It was like a weight was lifted from me, and I bounced around the house with whoops and hallelujahs.

Essays are not easy for me, I labour over them painstakingly in my effort to string the right words together (I just read an interesting post on the science of why introverts struggle to put their thoughts into words). I am a good summarizer but for essays you need to explore and question ideas. I am trying to break myself of the habit of accepting ideas at face value – it’s called critical thinking. But, I’m pleased with my effort for this one.

The topic was human resource management, and we were asked to choose a policy area and consider how a medium- to large-sized organisation would implement the policy. I chose workforce diversity and Qantas. I’ve developed an interest in the airline company, but I’m not sure it is entirely related to my love of travel. It is a fascinating business case study. Plus, the CEO, Alan Joyce, reminds me a tiny bit of Paul Brew, a lovely boss I once had. They look slightly alike and are both from Ireland. However, I think that’s probably where the similarity ends.

Aside from all that, I am now on study break for seven weeks, and next week I’ll be up in Bundaberg with Mum and Jo. It is like I am just entering a beautiful, big room full of wonderful objects to explore and more importantly, no deadlines to meet.

Flamingo floatie photo by Vicko Mozara on Unsplash

I officially finished up with the nursing agency on Wednesday, although it has been a few weeks since I did any work. I had committed to remain available until the end of the month in case any questions came up, but the handover seems to have gone smoothly. I sent Blessing a quick email on my last day, thanking her for the opportunity to learn about the NDIS and the intake role, and wishing her well.

I was surprised to get a phone call from Blessing the next day, in which she thanked me for the work I did and hoped we’d see each other again. She also mentioned Jo, and how the nurses had celebrated when her legs had shown clear signs of improvement. It was a really lovely call, confirming the good opinion I have of Blessing. Knowing how busy she is, the call was a nice, personal gesture and made me feel good!

Chau! photo by Greta Schölderle Møller on Unsplash

Since I’m not working right now, I haven’t been part of the Christmas traditions that usually happen at a workplace, like decorating the office, having an end-of-year party, giving Secret Santa gifts, and so on. And Christmas is normally low-key for us at home, but this year I am feeling a little bit excited about it. Perhaps it is the prospect of the Christmas-themed events during our stay at Moore Park Beach. I think it will be fun!

I may even do some Christmas baking when I get back from our holiday. Here are some yummy ideas:

50 g dried and unsweetened cranberry
50 g currants
190 g prunes, diced
50 g mixed citrus peel
0.5 lemon, zest and juice
130 g wholemeal plain flour
30 g almonds, chopped
30 g Brazil nuts, roughly chopped
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
200 g zucchini, grated
80 g butter, melted
2 large free range eggs, whisked
1 tsp mixed spice

Mix everything together except the butter and eggs.
Once the flour and spices coat all the fruit and zucchini, add the eggs – mix well. Then add the butter – mix well.
Pour mix into a well oiled or buttered bowl that is safe to steam (this could be a metal bowl or ceramic pudding dish with a lip) and will fit in a large pot.
Cover the pudding directly with two pieces of baking paper, cut into circles to cover the top, so it’s nice and neat. Then cover the dish with foil – making sure it’s quite tight around the edges. You may need to use some kitchen string around the outside.
Place the pudding dish in a large pot of boiling water – the water should be about halfway up the pudding dish.
Steam for 2 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean. During cooking, keep topping up with boiling water so it stays at the halfway point. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure the water is continuously simmering.
Remove bowl from the pot and allow to cool before sliding a knife/spatula down the side and turning out to serve. Alternatively, cover the pudding dish in cling film and store in the fridge for a few days before serving.
To reheat: place in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or put back into the pudding bowl and steam again for 20-30 minutes.
Serve with a dollop of thickened cream.

Cookie jar photo by Anna Peipina on Unsplash

For an assessment task I’ve been researching Koh, an Australian company that sells innovative, eco-friendly cleaning products. It has got me in the mood to make my own house sparkly.

For the next week and a bit, I’ll be busy finishing several final assessment tasks for my last two subjects of the year. In addition to my little Koh project, I am working with some other students on a business plan and pitch for a mail-order pharmacy idea that is due next Friday. And I have a 1,750-word essay on managing workforce diversity due a couple of days later, on Sunday. The very next day, I will be rising early and picking up my holiday companions for our road trip to Bundaberg. The mood will be jubilant! even more so since it will be Jo’s birthday!

When I get back after our trip, there will be several weeks of study break since my next classes do not start until the end of January. One of the things I would like to get done during my break is a deep clean of the house.

I’m very keen on using natural (and cheap) products, and most of the following are tried-and-true natural cleaning solutions. All I’ve usually only lacked is the elbow grease 😀

• Microfibre cloths: they may be made from synthetic materials, but these cloths, when dry, pick up dust like nothing else. When damp, they cut through grime with just a little elbow grease. They can also be thrown in the washing machine and used again and again – but make sure you don’t add fabric softener. It coats the fibres and reduces their effectiveness.
• White vinegar: great degreaser and when diluted can be used on wooden floors, tiles and benchtops.
• Lemons: tougher than vinegar. Try rubbing a cut lemon dipped in salt on sink stains.
• Bi-carbonate of soda: use on its own as an abrasive or combine with vinegar to remove tough stains.
• Salt: good natural scourer. Dip a toothbrush in salt and scrub tile grout.
• Washing soda:this is more alkaline than baking soda so use gloves. A natural alternative to sugar soap.
• Soap flakes: when dissolved in warm water, pure soap is a good all-round cleaner. If you need extra power, add some washing soda.

List from Homes to Love.

Rubber glove photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

This morning I woke with a sense of anticipation and gratitude; today is the first day of the rest of my life, and the last three months have put me on a path to better health. I lost 13 kg and got rid of some bad habits by sticking to the programme. I still have 6 kg to shed before I reach the healthy body mass index (BMI) range.

My shape has changed, noticeably on the top half of my body. Below are my ‘before and after’ photos. On my first day, the pants were quite snug around the waist and hips. Today they are very loose, I had to keep pulling them up.

I am continuing on the Fast800 programme on the transitional 3:4 plan (four days fasting at 800 calories) for a couple of weeks before we head off on holiday in Bundaberg. While we’re away, it will be impractical to stick to the plan but I will try to make healthy choices whenever I can. I’m looking forward to the occasional glass of red wine that is now allowed to me! When we’re back, I will go onto the 5:2 plan (two days fasting).

‘Feet on scales’ photo by i yunmai on Unsplash

Jo kindly invited me to a birthday lunch at her place today for Dad, who is now an octogenarian! We almost forgot to take photos but thankfully remembered shortly after we had all filled our bellies with Chinese take-away (and Fast 800 chicken stir fry in my case).

I really like this photo Mum took; it captures Dad in a candid moment as he looks at me instead of the camera.